Gilkey celebrates the fourth

Erin Kidd/Daily Courier
The Gilkey Ruritans and members of the Gilkey School Communtiy Center held the annual July 4 festivities at the school on Friday. Events included a car show, bingo, face painting and ended with a fireworks show.

Erin Kidd/Daily Courier
Many Gilkey community members beat the heat of the afternoon by participating in games on bingo. The Ruritans also served hot dogs and hamburgers to hungry guests.

Erin Kidd/Daily Courier
Children scramble to get a seat during the event's cake walk. Many lucky winners went home with a free cake.

Erin Kidd/Daily Courier
Michaela and Lincoln Parton came out in their patriotic attire to celebrate the holiday.

Erin Kidd/Daily Courier
Members of the 9/10 Rutherfordton All-star softball team sold baked goods and raffle tickets to raise money for the team's trip to the state tournament.

GILKEY —

Gilley's annual July 4th celebration was held at the Gilkey Community Center and Ruritan Clubhouse Friday evening.

Community members celebrated Independence Day with food, a car show, bingo and games. There was something for people of all ages because the event also included ice cream, Hawaiian ice, face painting and a cake walk.

"The best part is everybody getting together here and having fun," Kay Deyton, member of the Gilkey Community Center, said while she gave away cakes during the cake walk. "It's good fellowship."

The bingo games were a big hit in the middle of the day as community members piled in to soak up the air conditioning, try to win a prize and enjoy hot dogs and hamburgers.

"I like meeting the people. We serve thousands each year," Rachel Burnette, Ruritan member and head of the kitchen, said. "We do it every year because people ask us to. It's something for the community."

Burnette said the annual event is a tradition and the Ruritan Club has been putting it together for over 20 years.

Gail Parton said the tradition is important to the community and she comes every year. She said she is also very proud of the Gilkey Community School group that works to make sure the old school building is a place Gilkey citizens can be proud of.

"There's something for everybody and it's (the event) a tradition for this community," Parton said. "It's a good way to celebrate the fourth and I'm very proud of how hard the people here work."